Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and visiting Ban Ki-moon, minister of foreign affairs and trade of the Republic of Korea (ROK), said in Beijing Monday they were satisfied with the current development of Sino-ROK relations.  

The two diplomats expressed the hope of further implementing the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and pushing forward Sino-ROK comprehensive partnership of cooperation, sources from the Foreign Ministry of China said.

Both sides also agreed to make concerted efforts to start a working group for the Beijing six-party talks as soon as possible and make preparations for the third round of the talks.

Ban Ki-moon began his formal visit to China on Sunday at the invitation of Li Zhaoxing.

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2004)